Newbie help

[macd00LS]

So i've been a stalker on this site since june when I bought my 2000 LS v6, auto, non sport. Since I bought it i've done all the fluids and filters, new hydraulic pump, belt, alternator and rack&pinion. So my concerns:

1.On occasion the car won't start, makes no noise or anything just turn the key multiple times and eventually it will go, but its a very odd problem and I don't know where to begin to look.

2. Since I bought the car the low wiper fluid light has been on even though the fluid is low. Do I need to replace the whole resevoir, a sensor or something else? Is it a common problem?

3. Since the cold weather, the car has had a hard time keeping idle in the morning? It will hold about 2k rpms and start dying out until the car shuts off. But if I warm the car up it idles fine and doesn't die out.

Thanks in advance and any advice will help.

 

[joegr]

1. What is the PATS light doing when this happens.

2. The low warning should be on when the level is low. If that is a typo and the level is not low, then it could be a bad sender or a bad wire.

3. There are several possible causes. More info is needed.

 

[macd00LS]

What are the PATS lights?

Not a typo, does the whole resevoir need replacing or can you just do a sender?

What info do you need? It happens when its cold out, I picked up a fuel filter today that I will hopefully get installed tomorrow incase it is clogged. I did replace it in July, but for $12 its a cheap fix.

 

[SteveSC]

If the fluid is low the washer fluid light should be on. It's there to tell you that you need to add fluid. There isn't anything wrong with it.
The PATS light is the one on the dash (red) and flashes codes if the car has a problem with the PATS. PATS is passive anti theft system.
When I had intermittant starting issues the light would flash, showing a fault with the PATS and it ending up being the relay for the PATS. It is a cheap relay about $10 so it won't be an expensive attempt. Also a new key might be a good idea, if you have more than one, try both and see if you can notice a difference.
You don't state if the car turns over or not. If it does not turn over you most likely need a starter or the connections are bad. Check all the heavy duty wiring and connections to the starter.

 

[joegr]

What are the PATS lights?

Not a typo, does the whole resevoir need replacing or can you just do a sender?

What info do you need? It happens when its cold out, I picked up a fuel filter today that I will hopefully get installed tomorrow incase it is clogged. I did replace it in July, but for $12 its a cheap fix.

1. It's just one light. It's red. It's on the inside, at the base of the windshield, in the middle.

2. Okay, so your complaint is that the wiper fluid reservoir is low on fluid and you are getting a low fluid level indication. If so, then there's nothing to fix and replacing the reservoir won't change anything. You'll need to add washer fluid to the reservoir to turn the warning off.

3. Check engine light on or off? Have codes pulled and see which, if any, turn up. Are there any other engine issues at all?

 

[macd00LS]

Ok, when it won't start the next time I will look at the PATS.

No, the fluid is full but the low fluid light is on.

No check engine lights, no codes and no engine issues other than the rough idle when its cold

 

[macd00LS]

If the fluid is low the washer fluid light should be on. It's there to tell you that you need to add fluid. There isn't anything wrong with it.
The PATS light is the one on the dash (red) and flashes codes if the car has a problem with the PATS. PATS is passive anti theft system.
When I had intermittant starting issues the light would flash, showing a fault with the PATS and it ending up being the relay for the PATS. It is a cheap relay about $10 so it won't be an expensive attempt. Also a new key might be a good idea, if you have more than one, try both and see if you can notice a difference.
You don't state if the car turns over or not. If it does not turn over you most likely need a starter or the connections are bad. Check all the heavy duty wiring and connections to the starter.

No, the light is on and the fluid is full.

Is there a way to read what the codes are that the PATS puts off? I've tried my other key and the gf's key and when its in the " I don't want to start " mode no key will turn it on. No click, nothing. But if you crank it a few times it will usually start. Sometimes I've gotten it to start by holding on the brakes and sometimes by holding it at half throttle. Its a very odd problem, Starter was replaced a few months ago, My mechanic and the dealership both don't know what the problem is. Its weird because it happens randomly and there's nothing loose either

 

[joegr]

Ok, when it won't start the next time I will look at the PATS.

No, the fluid is full but the low fluid light is on.

No check engine lights, no codes and no engine issues other than the rough idle when its cold

Re-read what you first wrote. I do believe it must have been a typo then.

low wiper fluid light has been on even though the fluid is low.
Not a typo, does the...

Now that we're done with that confusion. I would test the sensor in the reservoir first before ordering a new one. It might be a wiring problem.

http://deneau.info/ls/s6x~us~en~file=s6xd1003.htm~gen~ref.htm#PS2-N

Yes, the sensor and the reservoir are one part.

When the PATS light flashes rapidly, don't do anything. Just wait for it to slow down. When it does, it will flash out one or more two digit codes a few times.

 

[macd00LS]

You are right I did type that wrong. Sorry for the confusion.

Thanks on the sensor, I will check it out hopefully tomorrow after work.

Ok I will keep paper in the car and write count the flashes when it does it next. Is there a site to check what the code is?

 

[joegr]

...
Ok I will keep paper in the car and write count the flashes when it does it next. Is there a site to check what the code is?

Just post it here.

 

[Right on the Mark]

For the no start it could be as simple as the starter going out. Many times when starter starts to go it will give you warning no starts then die.

 

[1LoudLS]

^^^if it is a starter problem, the PATS light will not be flashing a code, the car will think that the starter is working, but the car wont crank... easy to figure out.

 

[tireman]

car dies out

could be your IAC valve that controls the idle is going out. I'm on my 3rd unit now in my 01V6. If your idle is rough, it is more likely a vacuum leak on the PCV line.

 

[macd00LS]

So since posting this it has not yet had any hard starts or rough idling. So I'm still waiting. But the airbag light has made its way on. I believe a possible clock spring but am researching it.